Forum Opens Under the Theme "Green Transition for the Future: Finding a Way Amid Challenges"
Participation from International Organizations and Global Companies... Seeking Cooperative Solutions to the Climate Crisis
Leading Carbon-Neutral Cities Session... Pohang, Yokohama, and Tianjin Discuss Collaborative Strategies
Discussions on green transition solutions to overcome the climate crisis have begun in the industrial city of Pohang.
The 2025 World Green Growth Forum (WGGF) opened on May 14 at the Lahan Hotel in Pohang, bringing together global experts, cities, and companies to engage in practical cooperation for green growth.
Under the theme "Green Transition for the Future: Finding a Way Amid Challenges!", this forum has been organized as an international platform for cooperation to simultaneously address the climate crisis and achieve sustainable economic growth.
The forum saw participation from major international organizations such as the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the UN Climate Change Innovation Hub, and ICLEI Korea, as well as global companies including POSCO and Ecopro. More than 300 key figures from Korea and abroad gathered in one place, adding significance to the event.
The opening ceremony began with a welcome address by Pohang Mayor Lee Kangdeok, followed by congratulatory remarks from Pohang City Council Chairman Kim Ilman, former President Lee Myungbak, North Gyeongsang Province Governor Lee Cheolwoo, National Assembly members Kim Jeongjae and Lee Sanghui, a video message from Minister of Environment Kim Wanseop and GGGI Chair Ban Ki-moon, and a vision declaration ceremony for "Pohang, a Carbon-Neutral Economic City Built Together."
Former President Lee Myungbak delivering a congratulatory speech at the 2025 World Green Growth Forum. Photo by Pohang City
Chair Ban Ki-moon stated, "This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement, and now is the time for humanity to stop division and respond together," urging solidarity and action from governments and the private sector worldwide.
On the first day of the forum, three major sessions were held, focusing on the direction and implementation strategies for green growth.
In the keynote speeches, GGGI Secretary-General Kim Sanghyup presented on "From Vision to Action: Realizing Green Growth for a Sustainable Future," while Energy Transitions Commission Chair Adair Turner spoke on "Energy Transition for Responding to the Climate Crisis," outlining the direction and strategies for green growth.
Subsequent sessions covered global policy trends, leading carbon-neutral cities, and the roles and implementation strategies of leading companies in new growth industries. Case studies from various countries and companies were shared, and collaboration strategies between cities and industries were discussed in depth.
In the "Leading Carbon-Neutral Cities" session, Pohang, Yokohama (Japan), and Tianjin (China) participated, introducing each city's green policies and practical initiatives.
Mayor Lee Kangdeok participated as a presenter in this session, explaining Pohang's efforts and achievements in transforming from a gray industrial city to a green ecological city, and sharing the city's future vision under the theme "From Industrial City to Environmental City: A Major Transformation."
During the panel discussion, the three cities addressed common agenda items such as encouraging voluntary citizen participation, building trust-based relationships between local governments and companies, and promoting joint projects among marine cities, seeking ways to enhance inter-city cooperation.
Additionally, the cities agreed to jointly build low-carbon city models through marine carbon sink restoration, plastic reduction, advanced technology cooperation, and talent exchange. They also decided to continue their partnership through future joint seminars and sharing of best practices.
Mayor Lee Kangdeok stated, "Pohang is transforming from a steel industry city into a hub for green industries and technology," adding, "Through this forum, we will demonstrate to the international community that local cities can play a leading role in global environmental agendas and present a model for cooperation among the world's industrial cities."
On the second day of the forum, May 15, various sessions are scheduled, covering topics such as nurturing climate tech unicorns, green growth cooperation strategies, blue carbon in marine ecosystems, and citizen participation in carbon-neutral practices.
Associated programs will also take place, including the final round of the "Green Growth Idea Hackathon" with global youth participation, and the Pohang Town Hall COP.
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